Some significant strides are being made in the Southwest addition, with rehab services and public dining spaces slated to open sometime in June (as of now). The second floor of the Southwest addition shows framing and windows being installed with the brick and painting of the exterior almost complete on the west side. Tentative projections also indicate the first floor opening before the 2nd floor.

As part of our discharge process, our care coordinators also follow up with you within 48 hours of a hospital stay to make sure you are able to take care of yourself.

Meet FirstLight’s Care Coordinators:

Rachel Dahlquist

Rachel joined FirstLight Health System’s team in June 2015, shortly after graduating from Winona State University with her bachelor’s degree in nursing. Rachel started her career at FirstLight as a Med/Surg, ER and ICU nurse and has transitioned into her new role as a Care Coordinator. Growing up in Mora allowed her to spend three summers at FirstLight as a student intern. She has a passion for building trusting relationships and supporting patients, helping them to attain their highest quality of life.

Rachel lives in Braham with her husband, Marcus. They are looking forward to welcoming their first child in August 2018. Rachel actively participates as a member of her church and community. She enjoys running, spending time with family and being outdoors.

Each day, Rachel hopes to encourage her team members to continue striving toward their wellness goals.

Jenny Friday

Jenny Friday joined FirstLight Health System in early 2011 as the Wellness Coordinator. During her time here, she has worked in the clinic setting doing triage and as an anti-coagulation nurse. She has worked as a Nurse Care Coordinator and Educator since 2014. Jenny comes with experience in public health, case management, home care, hospice, jail nursing, family planning, clinic, and long-term care experience. Jenny graduated from Anoka-Ramsey Community College in 1996 with an associate degree in nursing. She has since graduated with her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Regis University, where she is currently working on a master’s in nursing leadership with an education focus. She is committed to patient-centered care that engages patients at all stages of their health care journey. Her extensive experience provides for efficient coordination of care throughout all systems which promotes team-based care.

Jenny believes that that when you love your job, it is never work!!!

Danielle Gilbertson

Danielle has been practicing at FirstLight Health System as a Licensed Social Worker since May of 2009. Danielle received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work in 2009 from St. Cloud State University and her Master’s Degree in Social Work in 2012 from St. Cloud State University. Danielle is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW) working towards completing her clinical social work licensure (LICSW). Danielle has past experience working in mental health crisis services. Danielle’s professional interests include mental health, chemical dependency, and geriatrics. Outside of work Danielle enjoys playing bass guitar, traveling, and spending time with her husband and cat.

Danielle utilizes a strengths based and solution focused approach to support patient well being and decision making.

Hailey Hemmerich

Haley Hemmerich joined FirstLight as a social worker & care coordinator in 2016. Haley has her Master’s Degree in Social Work from St. Cloud State University and is a Licensed Graduate through the Minnesota Board of Social Work. Haley is also continuing her education by pursuing her clinical license to become an Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. Haley has particular interest in the areas of mental health conditions and obstetrics. She has diverse knowledge of county case management, child protection and developmental delays.

Haley prides herself on building strong supportive relationships with her outgoing personality, which fits well with the ever-changing environment of health care.

Jen Peterson

Jen Peterson MSW, LGSW is the Social Services /Care Coordination Supervisor at FirstLight Health Systems. She has been at FirstLight for seventeen years and has enjoyed growing as a social worker with the changing landscape at the rural facility. She has a passion for Medical Social Work, Palliative Care, Mental Health and Care Coordination. Ms. Peterson has a Masters in Social work from Augsburg College and is currently near finishing her clinical hours for her Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW). Jen enjoys spending time with her family and friends, running, skiing and chasing her three girls as they experience all life has to offer.

Lori Peterson

Lori Peterson joined the Firstlight family in January of 2006, as a social worker upon graduating from St. Cloud State University and in December 2015 Lori earned her master’s degree from the University of New England. Currently, Lori is pursuing certification to be a Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW). Lori enjoys working with families through care coordination, chemotherapy, mental health, and discharge planning.
Lori Lives in Mora and has two sons, Jeremy, and Daniel. Jeremy works as an independent licensed insurance adjuster and Daniel is in the Marine Corps stationed in North Carolina. In her spare time, Lori loves to spend time with her boyfriend Todd and family, and watching her nieces and nephews sporting events. Lori loves to shop, go for walks, and spend time with friends doing whatever.

Lori focuses on a strength-based approach to help empower her patients for positive goals and outcomes.

Curt Robinson

Curt Robertson joined the Firstlight team in 1987 as an EMT and later worked as EMT-Intermediate. Curt retired from Emergency Medical Services in 2007 and started his work as a discharge planner for the Social Work department that continues today. In addition, Curt works as a Rehabilitation Counselor for the State of MN doing specialty work with individuals that have physical and/or mental health related disabilities to help them regain their independence and employment satisfaction. Curt received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota in Social Welfare, a Master’s degree in Gerontology from Bethel University in 2007 and a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling in 2008 from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Curt enjoys working with individuals and challenging them to achieve their potential in any circumstance. Curt enjoys helping individuals see their options in any situation and to understand steps for reaching their goals.
Curt lives in Mora with his wife Laurel. He is active within his church working with the children’s program and planning of family and adult events. Curt plays trumpet with the East Central Grad band. Curt enjoys, camping, biking, hiking, music, and spending time with his family.

Curt enjoys establishing meaningful relationships that enable others to grow, accept the bumps in the road that will inevitably come, and learn to move forward through them.

We care about your health and well-being which is why our goal is to help you manage and understand complicated health conditions and chronic illnesses by helping you stay healthy and avoiding unnecessary emergency department visits and or hospitalization.

Talk to your provider to find out if Care Coordination is right for you.